Treatment of Recurrent Severe Cellulitis with a Pill in Pocket Approach

Abstract

Cellulitis is a common condition that plagues healthcare systems and is associated with significant healthcare costs and resource allocations. With ample antimicrobial therapy this infectious syndrome can be easily treated but recurrence is common. Many conditions predispose patients to be at risk for recurrent cellulitis with chronic lymphoedema being a significant risk factor secondary to pooling of lymphatic fluid and impaired local immune responses. Moreover, patients with chronic lymphoedema can be at risk for acute onset of severe cellulitis requiring urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Consequently, to prevent recurrent cellulitis episodes, the use of long-term oral antibiotics has been advocated, but when recurrences occur despite long-term antibiotic use limited options are available. In this case report, a unique treatment approach for preventing severe cellulitis is discussed with a pill in the pocket approach with the use of oral tedizolid. This has thwarted the need for recurrent hospitalizations and reduced health care costs for this individual patient. Herein this treatment approach is discussed as is the rationale for using tedizolid instead of other antibiotics.